Listening to an album for the first time often feels like a religious experience; it can spur a complex plethora of emotion, ranging from sweet exultation to quiet, understated sadness. It is rare to find an album that encompasses such a large range of expression within its tracklist, but The 1975’s “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it” delivers a gratifying experience folded into brash yet poetic lyricism, ambient interludes and ‘80s synth.
The Clarion was lucky enough to listen a day before wide release at a listening party held at local record store Twist & Shout. With the new album emanating throughout the store speakers and a line of fans waiting eagerly to purchase “I like it when you sleep…,” the hype surrounding The 1975 was almost tangible. Following a 2013 self-titled debut, lovers of the band had high hopes for the new album and they were not disappointed.
“I like it when you sleep…” is a direct challenge to those who deny the credibility of pop music; each song heads in a different direction than the one before it and the artistry and deep thought behind each track demands the listener to re-examine whatever they thought they knew about The 1975. While The 1975 has been a band that critics loved to hate, “I like it when you sleep…” will surely change the minds of those who had dismissed them as glossy, radio pop.
The most beautiful strength of “I like it when you sleep…” is born out of its core variety; while “The Sound” comes across as a synthy dance hit, “If I Believe You” works as a gospel, R&B piece reminiscent of recent work by Kanye West or not-as-recent music from Frank Ocean. The album calls upon David Bowie during single “Love Me” and filters Duran Duran through the rampant ‘80s vibe that flits throughout the work. However, some aspects of the “old” The 1975 can still be seen in tunes such as “This Must Be My Dream,” which is a bit more similar sonically to the band’s first album.
When other bands experiment with multiple genres on one album, it can come out sounding muddled and misdirected, but from The 1975, it’s entirely refreshing. The band was looking to reinvent itself, and this process of evolution led to a brilliantly composed album that reflects The 1975’s refusal to take itself too seriously. There is something poignant about “I like it when you sleep…” amongst its references to fame and celebrity culture.
“I like it when you sleep…” portrays lead singer Matty Healy’s heart on his sleeve; it’s the celebration of emotion and it’s an album that expresses human nature through an unapologetically dissimilar tracklist.
The 1975 delved into an enigmatic realization of its power and created a masterpiece that is relatable in the most touching ways. The best albums are the ones in which we can find ourselves, and “I like it when you sleep…” is the perfect companion for the journey.
